The Technical Vault
By SOSCleanroom
ANSI Abrasion Level 4
ANSI Cut Level A1
EN 388: 4131A
FORTIX™ Foam Nitrile
ERGOFORM™
ZONZ™ Comfort
15-Gauge Dexterity
Ansell HyFlex® 11-840: abrasion resistance, grip consistency, and ergonomic industrial handling
Ansell HyFlex® 11-840 is a 15-gauge industrial general-handling glove designed for applications where abrasion resistance, gripping performance, dexterity, and long-term comfort are important. It combines a nylon/spandex knitted liner with a FORTIX™ foam nitrile palm coating. The glove also incorporates ERGOFORM™ Ergonomic Design and ZONZ™ Comfort Fit technologies.
Operations takeaway: HyFlex 11-840 is an abrasion-focused, general-handling glove with ANSI Abrasion Level 4, ANSI Cut Level A1, and EN 388 rating 4131A. It is appropriate for industrial tasks where secure grip, repeated handling, and comfort are important and the documented protection ratings satisfy the facility's hazard assessment.
Industrial safety context: abrasion and grip in repetitive handling operations
General manufacturing and assembly operations may require workers to handle hundreds of components during a shift. Friction between glove surfaces and workpieces can cause gradual coating wear, reduced grip, and eventual damage to the protective liner.
A general-handling glove must balance several characteristics: abrasion resistance, tactile control, proper fit, gripping performance, and comfort. Gloves that are too stiff or poorly fitted can make precise handling more difficult, while inadequate coating durability may increase replacement frequency.
HyFlex 11-840 combines a flexible liner with FORTIX™ coating technology and Ansell's ergonomic design features. It is intended for production, maintenance, assembly, and material handling operations where high cut resistance is not the primary requirement.
Control point: Abrasion resistance and cut resistance are separate properties. HyFlex 11-840 provides ANSI Abrasion Level 4 but only ANSI A1 cut resistance. Workers handling significant sharp-edge hazards should be equipped with gloves meeting the higher cut ratings required by the task assessment.
Specifications (SKU controls for RFQs, safety programs, and receiving)
- Manufacturer: Ansell
- Product: HyFlex® 11-840
- Product Type: General-purpose abrasion-resistant industrial glove
- Construction: Knitted, palm coated
- Gauge: 15-gauge
- Liner Material: Nylon and spandex
- Liner Color: Black and gray
- Coating Material: Foam nitrile
- Coating Color: Black
- Coating Coverage: Palm coated
- Cuff: Knitwrist
- Abrasion Technology: FORTIX™ Abrasion Resistance Technology
- Grip Technology: Ansell Grip™ Technology
- Ergonomics: ERGOFORM™ Ergonomic Design
- Comfort: ZONZ™ Comfort Fit
- ANSI Cut Resistance: ANSI/ISEA 105-2024 Level A1
- ANSI Abrasion Resistance: Level 4
- ANSI Puncture Resistance: Level 2
- Mechanical Protection: EN 388:2016 + A1:2018, 4131A
- EN ISO Cut Resistance: Level A
- Thermal Marking: EN 407:2020, X1XXXX
- General Glove Standard: EN ISO 21420:2020
- European PPE Classification: Category II
- OEKO-TEX®: STANDARD 100, certificate 1408033
- Dermatological Testing: Dermatest® recognized
- Antistatic: Yes, as listed by Ansell
- Touchscreen Compatible: Yes
- Latex-Free: Yes
- Silicone-Free: Yes
- Sizes: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
- Length: 200-275 mm, depending on size
- Packaging: 12 pairs/bag; 12 bags/carton; 144 pairs/carton
- SOSCleanroom Ordering Options: Bag or case
- Washing Guidance: Up to three washing cycles at 40°C (104°F), subject to manufacturer instructions
Documentation rule: Verify the glove model, size, packaging, and current protective ratings against the manufacturer's Product Data Sheet when preparing RFQs, approved PPE lists, or receiving specifications. Do not assume the specifications of another HyFlex glove also apply to 11-840.
Performance characteristics (manufacturer-published protective ratings)
- ANSI/ISEA 105-2024 Cut Resistance: A1
- ANSI/ISEA 105-2024 Abrasion Resistance: Level 4
- ANSI/ISEA 105-2024 Puncture Resistance: Level 2
- EN 388:2016 + A1:2018: 4131A
- EN 388 Abrasion Resistance: Level 4
- EN 388 Coupe Blade Cut: Level 1
- EN 388 Tear Resistance: Level 3
- EN 388 Puncture Resistance: Level 1
- EN ISO 13997 Cut Resistance: Level A
- EN 407:2020: X1XXXX
- Contact-Heat Performance: Level 1 under standardized testing
- FORTIX™ Grip: Manufacturer reports 2x more grip compared with its previous technology version
- FORTIX™ Durability: Manufacturer reports up to 20% more durability compared with its previous technology version
- ERGOFORM™: Ergonomic design intended to support natural hand contours
- ZONZ™: Comfort technology designed to reduce tension and support ventilation
- Touchscreen Compatibility: Suitable for compatible consumer and industrial touchscreen devices
Performance interpretation: ANSI and EN ratings are obtained using different standardized tests. ANSI Abrasion Level 4 is not automatically equivalent to EN 388 Abrasion Level 4 simply because the same number appears. Similarly, cut, abrasion, and puncture ratings must each be evaluated independently.
Engineered liner construction: nylon, spandex, and 15-gauge dexterity
HyFlex 11-840 uses a 15-gauge knitted nylon/spandex liner. Nylon provides the flexible textile foundation, while spandex contributes stretch and helps the glove conform to the shape of the hand.
The fine-gauge knit supports finger articulation and tactile control, which are especially important for picking small parts, positioning components, fastening hardware, and operating tools during repetitive assembly work.
The glove is designed around comfort and mobility rather than advanced cut protection. Its protective profile is suited to assessed general-handling tasks where abrasion and grip are important and ANSI A1 cut resistance is sufficient.
Construction takeaway: Liner gauge affects the feel and flexibility of a glove, but it does not independently determine cut resistance. Use the manufacturer's ANSI and EN ratings when evaluating mechanical protection.
FORTIX™ foam nitrile coating: abrasion durability and grip performance
The glove's primary gripping surface is its black FORTIX™ foam nitrile palm coating. This coating provides a contact layer between the hand and the workpiece and is engineered to resist abrasion during repeated handling.
Ansell promotes FORTIX™ technology for twice the grip and up to 20% more durability compared with a previous technology version. These relative improvements are based on the manufacturer's comparison, not a guaranteed service-life increase for every industrial application.
The palm-coated design leaves portions of the back of the hand uncoated, helping preserve ventilation and flexibility. The black coating may also conceal everyday visible soiling, making inspection important even when the glove appears relatively clean.
The coating is intended for suitable industrial handling, including dry and slightly oily surfaces. Actual grip depends on the workpiece, contamination, surface finish, and condition of the coating.
Coating limitation: Foam nitrile palm coating does not establish full-hand chemical resistance. HyFlex 11-840 should not be used as a substitute for dedicated chemical-protective gloves where hazardous liquid exposure requires verified permeation or breakthrough performance.
ERGOFORM™ and ZONZ™: supporting comfort in repetitive work
Workers performing repetitive assembly and handling tasks need a glove that allows natural hand movement while providing reliable grip. Excessively stiff or poorly fitting gloves can make tool manipulation and component handling more difficult.
- ERGOFORM™ Ergonomic Design: Intended to follow the natural contours of the hand and support comfortable movement.
- ZONZ™ Comfort Fit: Knitted construction intended to reduce tension and improve ventilation in selected areas.
- 15-Gauge Liner: Flexible construction supporting finger articulation and fine handling.
- Palm Coating: Provides grip in the primary handling contact area while leaving the back of the hand more breathable.
- Touchscreen Compatibility: Supports use of compatible digital equipment without routine glove removal.
Ergonomic takeaway: Comfortable gloves support effective work, but correct sizing, proper workstation setup, and safe task design remain necessary. ERGOFORM™ and ZONZ™ do not replace established ergonomic controls.
Understanding EN 388 4131A and ANSI A1 cut protection
The EN 388 designation 4131A describes several mechanical characteristics through separate positions in the rating code.
- First position - 4: Abrasion resistance, Level 4
- Second position - 1: Coupe blade cut resistance, Level 1
- Third position - 3: Tear resistance, Level 3
- Fourth position - 1: Mechanical puncture resistance, Level 1
- Fifth position - A: EN ISO 13997 cut resistance, Level A
The ANSI/ISEA system separately lists Cut Level A1, Abrasion Level 4, and Puncture Level 2. Because the test procedures differ, ANSI and EN numerical ratings should not be treated as directly interchangeable.
Safety interpretation: HyFlex 11-840 is not cut-proof. Its A1/A cut classifications provide limited cut resistance and do not qualify the glove for every sharp-edge, blade, glass, or high-force cutting hazard.
Limited contact-heat protection: what EN 407 X1XXXX means
HyFlex 11-840 carries an EN 407:2020 X1XXXX thermal marking. The second position indicates Level 1 contact-heat performance under the applicable test procedure.
This rating does not establish broad protection from flames, molten metal, sustained hot-surface contact, or electrical arc flash. The glove should not be treated as a welding glove or high-temperature protective glove.
Thermal safety reminder: Contact-heat performance depends on exposure conditions and glove condition. For more substantial thermal hazards, use gloves specifically qualified for the expected exposure.
What HyFlex 11-840 is designed to do (typical use cases)
- General industrial assembly and subassembly
- Picking and fastening small components
- Raw material handling
- Adjusting systems and screwing operations
- Automotive and aerospace manufacturing support
- General production and maintenance handling
- Packaging, kitting, and order fulfillment
- Warehouse and logistics activities
- Operating compatible industrial touchscreens
- Handling suitable components before painting
- Repetitive work requiring grip, abrasion durability, and dexterity
Application fit: HyFlex 11-840 is intended for industrial general handling. Its mechanical ratings do not establish sterility, ISO cleanroom suitability, electrical insulation, or chemical barrier protection.
Best-practice use (reduce wear, handling errors, and unnecessary glove replacement)
- Assess the task: Identify abrasion, cuts, punctures, heat, chemicals, and machinery hazards before glove selection.
- Confirm protective ratings: Ensure ANSI A1 cut resistance and the documented abrasion and puncture ratings are sufficient.
- Choose the correct size: Use a properly fitting glove that provides good dexterity without looseness or restriction.
- Inspect the palm coating: Check for thinning, tears, peeling, or reduced foam texture.
- Inspect the liner: Look for holes, damaged yarns, excessive stretching, or material deterioration.
- Maintain grip performance: Replace gloves when oil, dirt, or coating wear reduces secure handling.
- Protect sensitive products: Follow contamination-control procedures when handling parts before painting or finishing.
- Verify touchscreen function: Confirm compatibility with workstation equipment.
- Follow cleaning guidance: Ansell identifies up to three washes at 40°C; inspect after each permitted cycle.
- Replace damaged gloves: Remove gloves from service when wear, damage, contamination, or poor fit compromises performance.
Method standardization tip: Document approved glove models, acceptable sizes, inspection criteria, laundering rules, and replacement triggers in workstation procedures. Monitor glove consumption to identify whether coating wear, contamination, or incorrect selection is driving replacement frequency.
Misuse controls & when not to use HyFlex 11-840
- Higher cut hazards: ANSI A1 / EN ISO A is not suitable for all sharp-edge or blade-handling tasks.
- Severe puncture hazards: General mechanical puncture testing does not establish protection against needles or every penetrating object.
- Chemical exposure: Foam nitrile palm coating does not provide a validated full-hand chemical barrier.
- High heat or flame: EN 407 Level 1 contact heat is not broad thermal or flame protection.
- Electrical hazards: The glove is not voltage-rated electrical insulation or arc-flash PPE.
- ESD-controlled areas: Manufacturer-listed antistatic properties do not automatically establish EN 16350 certification or suitability for a specific ESD program.
- ISO cleanroom or sterile processing: Select gloves specifically documented for required cleanliness, particle control, or sterility.
- Food contact: Review the applicable manufacturer food-contact declaration before approving the glove for a particular food-processing operation.
- Rotating machinery: Follow equipment-specific safety procedures; glove use may be prohibited where entanglement is possible.
- Damaged or contaminated gloves: Replace gloves rather than assuming the original laboratory ratings still apply.
Recommended industrial glove pairings (hazard-aligned selection)
Different industrial workstations may require different levels of cut, abrasion, or electrostatic protection. HyFlex 11-840 is an abrasion-focused general-handling glove, while other Ansell models address higher cut ratings and specialty applications.
- Ansell HyFlex 11-800 — light-duty general handling with foam nitrile coating and ANSI A1 cut resistance.
- Ansell HyFlex 11-550 — abrasion-focused industrial handling with ANSI A2 / EN ISO B cut protection.
- Ansell HyFlex 11-561 — nitrile-coated ANSI A3 / EN ISO C option for appropriate sharp-material handling.
- Ansell HyFlex 11-735 — polyurethane-coated ANSI A4 / EN ISO C glove for higher cut-risk industrial operations.
- Ansell HyFlex 11-819 ESD — specialized glove for appropriately qualified electrostatic-control applications.
Selection reminder: These gloves have different protective ratings and constructions. Confirm the requirements of each workstation before substituting a general-purpose glove for a higher-cut-rated or specialty-protection product.
Wear life, inspection, and replacement considerations
Service life depends on surface roughness, contact pressure, task repetition, contamination, laundering, and glove fit. ANSI Abrasion Level 4 and the manufacturer's durability comparisons do not establish a universal replacement interval.
- Foam nitrile wear: Look for smoothing, thinning, tearing, or missing coating at the palm and fingertips.
- Grip deterioration: Replace gloves when contamination or wear reduces reliable handling.
- Liner integrity: Inspect for holes, broken yarns, and stretched or distorted construction.
- Fingertip condition: Check high-contact areas for localized abrasion.
- Fit changes: Retire gloves that no longer conform securely or comfortably to the hand.
- Contamination: Oil, grease, dust, and process residues may affect grip and product-handling suitability.
- Heat damage: Inspect for deformation, stiffness, discoloration, or other signs of thermal exposure.
- Cleaning and washing: Follow the current manufacturer instructions and inspect after laundering.
- Replacement timing: Use task-specific inspection criteria rather than an unsupported fixed service life.
Inspection takeaway: Abrasion-resistant gloves can lose grip or protective integrity gradually. Routine inspection helps identify wear before continued use becomes unsuitable.
Manufacturing and packaging sustainability considerations
Ansell provides product-specific environmental information for HyFlex 11-840 through its Ansell Earth program. These manufacturer-reported attributes may support procurement reviews and supplier sustainability assessments.
- Product Carbon Footprint: Approximately 0.527 kg CO2e per pair, as reported by Ansell.
- Manufacturing Energy: Produced in a facility using 83% renewable energy.
- Waste Diversion: Ansell reports a manufacturing facility certified by Intertek for diverting more than 99% of waste from landfill.
- Management Systems: Manufacturer identifies accredited environmental and energy management systems.
- Shipping Cartons: Manufacturer reports a minimum of 45% recycled material in the shipper case.
- Packaging Optimization: Ansell identifies optimized carton dimensions intended to improve distribution efficiency.
Procurement note: These figures are manufacturer-reported environmental attributes. They do not establish that the used gloves are biodegradable or recyclable through ordinary waste streams. Consult current Ansell Earth documentation for formal reporting.
Why buy Ansell HyFlex® 11-840 from SOSCleanroom
- Authorized Ansell sourcing: SOSCleanroom supplies genuine Ansell protective gloves and product selection support.
- Correct SKU control: Purchase the required HyFlex 11-840 model and size to reduce unwanted substitutions.
- Purchasing configurations: Order 12-pair bags or full 144-pair cases.
- Manufacturer documentation: Access current specifications and performance ratings for purchasing and safety reviews.
- Application assistance: Compare HyFlex models for abrasion resistance, cut protection, and ESD-sensitive handling.
- Centralized procurement: Source industrial gloves and associated consumables through SOSCleanroom for recurring workplace needs.
Manufacturer documentation (authoritative references)
- SOSCleanroom HyFlex 11-840 Product Page:
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- Current Ansell HyFlex 11-840 Product Data Sheet:
Click Here
- SOSCleanroom-Hosted Ansell Datasheet:
Click Here
- Ansell Official Product Information:
Click Here
Documentation update notice: Current Ansell documentation identifies HyFlex 11-840 as a 15-gauge nylon/spandex glove with a foam nitrile palm coating, ANSI A1 cut resistance, ANSI Abrasion Level 4, ANSI Puncture Level 2, and EN 388 marking 4131A. For formal PPE qualification, reference the latest manufacturer documents and confirm the specifications of the product supplied.
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Last reviewed: Oct. 13, 2026 (SOS Technical Staff)
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